Somerset
Good
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Somerset Council handles planning applications across a large area in the South West of England, covering diverse landscapes from rural villages to market towns. The authority has a straightforward approach to planning, approving the vast majority of householder applications that come through. One thing that stands out is that nearly all applications get the green light, which suggests a generally supportive stance towards homeowners looking to improve their properties.
Approval Rate
95%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
73%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
37%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
You can feel reasonably confident about your chances of getting approval, as Somerset approves 95% of householder planning applications. However, you should be prepared for the possibility that your application might take a little longer than the standard 8 week target, as only 73% are decided within that timeframe. This means some applications stretch beyond 8 weeks, though decisions do eventually come through. The good news is that if your application is refused, you have a decent chance of success on appeal, with 37% of refused applications overturned.
Local Planning Considerations
Somerset contains several conservation areas and pockets of green belt land, so you'll want to check whether your property falls within any of these designations before applying. The authority also has various Article 4 directions in place in certain areas, which remove some permitted development rights, so it's worth investigating what applies to your specific location. These considerations won't necessarily stop your plans, but they may shape what you can do and what you'll need to justify in your application.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by having a clear conversation with the planning team at Somerset Council before you submit anything formal, as they're generally approachable and can give you a sense of whether your proposal is likely to succeed. Make sure your application is as complete and well presented as possible from the start, because incomplete applications can cause delays beyond that 8 week target. If you're in a conservation area or affected by an Article 4 direction, pay particular attention to how your plans fit with local character and heritage, as this will be important to the decision makers. Finally, keep in mind that while the approval rate is very high, the slightly longer average decision times mean you should build some flexibility into your timescales if you're planning any building work.
Does your project need planning permission?
Get an instant answer tailored to your address and project type.
Assess My Project